Visiting Ham House and Garden

Uncover the beauty of Ham House and Garden, a splendid 17th-century mansion nestled beside the River Thames in Richmond.

Image: Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Ham House, an exquisite 17th-century mansion nestled along the River Thames in Richmond, boasts a remarkable history. Constructed in 1610, this Stuart mansion was once the residence of the Earl of Dysart and his daughter Elisabeth, Duchess of Lauderdale. Their influence transformed Ham into one of England's most opulent Stuart houses. Preserving its authenticity, the house showcases original furnishings and Dutch art.

Image: Statues of Mercury and Venus Marina could be seen on either side of the Wilderness entrance. Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

The mansion's grandeur is surrounded by 30 acres of 17th-century gardens, encompassing a productive Kitchen Garden, a picturesque Cherry garden, and a wooded wilderness. This enchanting blend of history, art, and nature has also featured in popular period films and TV shows like John Carter, The Young Victoria, Anna Karenina, Victoria & Abdul, and BBC's Sense & Sensibility.

The History

Ham House, built in 1610, underwent significant changes led by William Murray and his daughter Elizabeth. Leased from King Charles I, it survived the English Civil War under Elizabeth's skilled management.

Image: The North Drawing Room. Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: The Round Gallery Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

After the Restoration in 1660, Ham House flourished under her ownership and her marriage to the Duke of Lauderdale, becoming a grand Stuart residence.

Image: Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

The property remained largely unchanged, passing down through the family until it was handed to the National Trust in 1948. Today, Ham House stands as a well-preserved example of 17th-century opulence. 

The House

Exploring Ham House's interior offers a glimpse into the refined opulence of its past inhabitants. Noteworthy features include the grand Great Hall with an original 1610 marble floor and an elaborate staircase adorned with intricate carvings. Luxurious furnishings and elegant decor fill the house, reflecting the desire of its past inhabitants, the Duke and Duchess, to impress guests.

Image: The Green Closet. Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Painted ceilings installed by Franz Cleyn. Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

The Round Gallery, once a hub for esteemed guests, showcases a portrait by Peter Lely of the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale. The North Drawing Room, a 1630s masterpiece, exudes opulence, while the Long Gallery presents portraits and furnishings from the 1670s. The exceptional Green Closet, surviving from King Charles I's reign, boasts original woodwork and painted ceiling, housing over 80 artworks including a Queen Elizabeth I miniature.

Image: Volury Room. Ham House and Garden. August 2023.

Exploring the Ground Floor unveils private spaces, including the Duchess's Closet, White Closet, and Volary, accessed through concealed doors. Ham House takes you on a journey through time, with each room narrating its distinctive story. The house is said to be haunted; legend has it that the Duchess of Lauderdale still roams the corridors after dark, adding an aura of mystery to this historical house.

The Garden

One of the highlights of a visit to Ham House is its picturesque garden. The 17th-century garden, revitalised by horticulturist Graham Thomas in the 1970s, offers a mix of formal sections, a woodland wilderness, and a productive Kitchen Garden. The garden features special plants like cannas, lavender, historical herbs, and 17th-century vegetables. Notably, the garden team has created silent spaces within wooden summerhouses, allowing visitors to find shelter and reflection.

Image: Ham House's Cherry Garden is famous for its 1,200 fragrant lavender plants. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Cherry Garden

The Cherry Garden at Ham House is a charming oasis featuring more than 1,200 lavender plants surrounded by meticulously shaped box topiaries. In the summer, the garden comes alive with vibrant lavender blooms that release a gentle perfume, creating a perfect atmosphere for leisurely strolls through the House grounds.

Image: Ham House's Cherry Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Ham House's Cherry Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

As summer draws to a close, visitors are welcomed to participate in lavender pruning on the 15 and 17 August, and on the 5 and 7 September. Visitors can take home their bunches, enjoying the scent long after the event. Click here for more.

The Kitchen Garden

One of the best features of the grounds is taking a wander through the Kitchen Garden, which boasts organically grown fresh produce dating back to the 1600s. Situated within the original brick walls, this productive area consists of ten rectangular plots filled with herbs and edible flowers, reflecting the heritage planting style.

Image: Kitchen Garden at Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

Image: Kitchen Garden at Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

In addition to its historical significance, the garden serves as a constant source of home-grown ingredients for the Orangery Café throughout the year.

The Orangery at Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe

When you visit Ham House, the Orangery Café is a great place to have coffee and treats while enjoying the garden view. This café is in the historic Kitchen Garden and serves light lunches and teas. You can also find spots around the House grounds for picnics, whether you bring your own food or get something from the café.

Image: Coffee and Victoria sponge at the Orangery in the Kitchen Garden. Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

The Wilderness

The Wilderness, a feature found in 17th-century grand gardens like Ham, showcased human control over nature with organised lawns, paths, and hedges. Unlike wild gardens, it was designed for serene contemplation. Wooden summerhouses provided relaxation, and life-size casts of Venus Marina and Mercury remain as historical features.

Image: Garden at Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

To conclude your visit to Ham House, make sure to visit the delightful Ham House shop. It provides a variety of beautiful and practical products, including exclusive homeware and delicious food treats. If you're fond of books, don't miss the second-hand bookshop. For a small fee starting from £1, you can discover a classic read. Their inventory constantly changes with public donations, making it always worth a look.

Image: Second hand bookshop. Ham House and Garden. August 2023. © MTotoe.

During the summer, Ham House is hosting a Summer of Play from 22 July -31 August. The formal gardens have been turned into a large play area, inviting families to enjoy activities like bowls, croquet, badminton, Jenga, and hoopla. The garden games trail spreads throughout the grounds including Ham's Inner and Outer Courtyards, South Terrace, The Plats, and Wilderness, providing not only traditional games but also skipping challenges, a tangram puzzle, and a maze!

Image: Summer of Play at Ham House and Garden. © MTotoe.

A visit to Ham House offers an ideal day trip to delve into its rich historical significance and explore its valuable collection of art and furnishings. The surrounding grounds also offer a picturesque setting for exploration and the enjoyment of a summer picnic.

Click here for a visual preview of Ham House and Garden.

Location: Ham Street, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS. Price: from £14.00. A child’s ticket is £7. Entry is free for National Trust and Artfund members.Website: nationaltrust.org.uk.